GENDER stereotypes have been evident in society over the years and continue to exist today, especially in sports. Filipino Olympic medalists Carlos Yulo and Hidilyn Diaz proved that sports have no gender as they both won gold in their respective sports at the Olympics, showcasing their passion and skill.

     Yulo and Diaz redefined what it means to be a champion, showing that true victory knows no gender boundaries. Their success demonstrates the importance of breaking down gender stereotypes in sports and inspires young athletes to follow their dreams, no matter the challenges.

Golden Breakthroughs 

     In July 2021, Hidilyn Diaz won the Philippines' first gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. She set new Olympic records in the 55 kg division by lifting 127 kg in the final lift and achieving a total lift of 224 kg.

     Carlos Yulo bagged his first gold in the Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise Finals at the Paris Olympics 2024 with a score of 15.000, which is also the first medal of the Philippines in the competition, Last Aug. 3. The following day, he secured his second gold in the vault finals at Bercy Arena, finishing with a total score of 15.116. The Philippine anthem was heard in the Olympic Stadium two days in a row. On both days, the Filipino gymnast delivered smooth routines, showcasing his skills with almost perfect spins and flying tumbles executed confidently. 

     Yulo is the first Filipino male athlete to win two Olympic gold medals, following Diaz, who won the country's first gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics for weightlifting. 

Two Golds of a Hero 

     In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel, Yulo said he did not expect his victory to happen and had been relaxed after winning his first gold the day before. “God is really great. I’m so blessed by Him and I am well protected and guided po sobrang thankful and grateful sa kanya na di niya kami pinabayaan lahat,” he said. Despite being surprised, he still showed the power and eagerness to win another gold for himself and the Philippines.

     In addition to winning the Olympics, Megaworld has guaranteed him a two-bedroom condominium unit in McKinley Hill, Taguig. He will also receive a total of 32M from the government and the  House of Representatives, according to Philstar. Yulo will also get a lifetime supply of ramen, buffet, and other meals from various restaurant chains in the country and free lifetime health consultations from a gastroenterologist. Aside from these insensitives, Yulo is set to be the hero in his hometown in Manila as per their mayor, Honey Lacuna.. 

Sports Unbound

     Sports knows no gender and boundaries; one can excel in anything one likes and is passionate about. The gold medalists, Yulo and Diaz, people often say their sports are not suited to their gender, yet they proved them wrong. Yulo showed that in gymnastics, a male can excel and win a gold in this sport, and Diaz proved that weightlifting is not solely meant for male athletes. The gender barriers that have restricted men and women have been broken by the achievements of Diaz and Yulo in any boundaries.